Credit: 1 unit

Eligible Grade Level: 10

Prerequisite: Admission into the honors program is considered  only at the beginning of each academic  year. Only those students who have their English teachers’ approval may be added  to an honors  roster.  To qualify for approval, students must, in the opinion of their teachers, have both the work ethic and interpretive skills needed to succeed in Honors English.

 

Students read and interpret American literature from the colonial period to the present. Students focus on developing writing  style, and they continue their study of grammar and vocabulary.  In preparation for AP Literature, special emphasis will be placed on the analysis of complex prose and poetry. This honors program provides a challenge for students who wish to advance their English skills at a more accelerated rate than that offered by the standard college preparatory program. Students should have an avid interest in not only reading literature but also analyzing literature, a sound grasp of the fundamentals  of formal grammar, and the ability to write  well-organized, clear formal essays. Students read approximately twice as much literature as those in the non-honors  program and write more challenging essays. In addition, students prepare for the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition course.

Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Completion of English III

Students study British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present. Students continue reading various types of literature and writing critical analysis essays. Students learn and practice finer points of grammar and writing style, and they continue expanding their vocabulary. The writing assignments will vary, but will typically include expository, argumentative, analytical, and creative writing.

Credit: .5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: None

This is a one semester course that focuses primarily on poetry, the short story, and drama. The course incorporates readings, which are used as models of style and technique. Class discussion and critique are based on students’ own writing samples as well as reading assignments. Although the course has no prerequisite, students are expected to have a strong interest in creative expression and a desire to improve their writing through personal and classmate critique and outside reading.

Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None

The focus of this course is on reviewing and strengthening basic grammar concepts, vocabulary, analytical skills and writing skills. In addition, students study a survey of literary genres to engage students with the texts on a deeper level through group discussions.

Credit: 1 unit

Eligible Grade Level: 9

Prerequisite:  An 85% on the entrance exam in verbal, reading, and language and the signature of the English department chairperson. Student must maintain an 85% semester one average in order to remain in Honors English I for semester two.

 

This accelerated  course  is designed  for the high ability, independently motivated student who possesses a strong work ethic, above average reading level, and advanced interpretive skills.

Credit: .5 units (non-GPA) per year
Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Consent of the Newspaper Adviser and signed course contract.

Students learn how to interview, write various forms of newspaper articles, edit and layout issues of the school newspaper. Using design software, students produce the newspaper regularly throughout the school year. Students must be responsible and able to thrive in a fast-paced, independent work environment and meet deadlines. Students must be able to handle constructive criticism, initiate and conduct thorough interviews and demonstrate growth as a writer. The class meets two times a week during Zero Hour.

Credit: .5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None

This course focuses on making a student feel calm, confident and prepared to speak in front of an audience in a variety of situations and to give tips and ideas to speak in a prepared presentation or an impromptu circumstance. This course will also help a student to understand and appreciate the power of the spoken word and how it has literally changed our world.

Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 10
Prerequisite: Completion of English I

Students focus primarily on world literature interpretation and composition skills. They expand, practice and refine interpretation skills learned in freshman year and also learn to create, write and revise compositions. Students learn how to research and write a short research paper. Students continue learning new vocabulary and improving usage.

Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 10
Prerequisite: Admission into the honors program is considered only at the beginning of each academic year. Only those students who have their English teachers’ approval may be added to an honors roster. To qualify for approval, students must, in the opinion of their teachers, have both the work ethic and interpretive skills needed to succeed in Honors English.

Students focus primarily on world literature interpretation and composition skills. They expand, practice and refine interpretation skills learned in freshman year and also learn to create, write and revise compositions. Students learn how to research and write a short research paper. Students continue learning new vocabulary and improving usage. This honors program provides a challenge for students who wish to advance their English skills at a more accelerated rate than that offered by the standard college preparatory program. Students should have an avid interest in literature, a sound grasp of the fundamentals of formal grammar, and the ability to write well-organized, clear formal essays. Students read approximately twice as much literature as those in the non-honors program and write more challenging essays. In addition, students prepare for the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition exam. Vocabulary and grammar remain an integral part of the program.

Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Consent of the Yearbook Adviser

Yearbook is a production-based course that centers around creating the St. Francis High School yearbook. The staff is solely responsible for the content, design, layout, and production of the book. Staffers must be cooperative, professional, creative, and productive. Students are responsible for taking digital photos, conducting interviews, managing clerical operations, making announcements, and composing, designing, and editing all elements of text, graphic art, and digital photography layouts. Students are expected to be organized, motivated, and possess strong reading and writing skills upon entering the class.